111 Second Street
Dear Future Homeowners,
It’s hard to put into words how much this home means to us. From the moment we first walked through the door, we felt something ...a warmth, a presence, a kind of soul you don’t find just anywhere. That feeling has only deepened over the years, and now, as we prepare to pass it on, we do so with so much love and gratitude.
Let’s start with one of the biggest highlights: location, location, location. You are literally a 90-second walk to the South Orange train station, making your commute to New York City or anywhere on NJ Transit incredibly easy. Trust me, that short walk makes a big difference, whether you’re running to catch a morning train or heading into the city for dinner and a show.
We’ve loved the neighborhood just as much. There’s something magical about walking to Jackie & Son for coffee or brunch, grabbing a seat at Bunny’s for a slice or a beer, or strolling into town for a late-night treat at the diner. Starbucks, neighborhood favorites, and a strong sense of community make South Orange feel like the perfect blend of village charm and city access. It’s a special place.
Now, the house itself.
This home has always reminded us of a Brooklyn brownstone, with its tall ceilings, original molding, exposed brick, and light pouring through every room. It carries both elegance and soul. We’ve done so much work over the years to preserve its character while making thoughtful upgrades throughout.
The foyer greets you with soaring ceilings and the original 1800s banister, guiding you up to the second and third floors. The primary bedroom is a peaceful retreat, with newly installed 10-inch wide plank floors, a hand-picked chandelier, and exposed brick that brings texture and history. One of our proudest renovations is the Italian marble primary bathroom, tucked behind an original arched doorway. It’s truly a luxurious space... bright, airy, and beautifully detailed.
The kitchen has become the heart of our home. With exposed brick around the oven, new appliances, a butcher block island perfect for gathering, and sunlight streaming in from the backyard, it’s both cozy and functional. The newly added mudroom off the kitchen is a practical touch, especially with the side door access for recycling or rainy-day drop-offs.
We’ve also invested in the things you might not see right away. From new second-floor windows and interior shutters to a new water heater, updated lighting fixtures throughout, and a modernized Guardian security system. The original floors were carefully sanded and re-stained, and we added custom built-ins in the primary and our daughter’s room to make the spaces feel truly lived-in and loved.
Outside, the front yard greets you with blooming hydrangeas, peonies, and two stunning flowering trees that transform the street each spring. The backyard is larger than most expect and offers a multi-use garage, a paved dining and grill area, and a fire pit lounge framed by low-maintenance, seasonal blooms. There’s even room for a little basketball, gardening, or simply relaxing with a glass of wine in the perfect mix of sun and shade.
There are too many memories to count here, and while we’re excited for what’s next, it’s not easy to let go. We just hope the next owners love it like we have. This isn’t just a house. It’s a home full of light, history, and heart.
Wishing you all the joy, peace, and magic we’ve found here.
Warmly,
The Current Homeowners of 111 Second Street
Reel ESTATE
Video Walkthrough of 111 Second St., South Orange NJ
Step into timeless charm with this stunning 1878 South Orange Victorian, blending original architectural beauty with thoughtful modern upgrades. From the moment you enter the gracious foyer featuring soaring ceilings and a classic staircase, you’ll feel the soul of a Brooklyn brownstone with the warmth and character of your forever home. Rich original wood floors, exposed brick, tall windows, archways, and exquisite custom woodworking bring elegance and history to every room. The 1st floor offers seamless flow: the inviting living room with high ceilings and exposed brick fireplace opens to the dining room through glass French doors, with a 2nd exposed brick fireplace! The airy kitchen oozes charm with exposed brick, new appliances and a cozy island, connected to a new mudroom, a period detail full bath, and a private, fully fenced backyard ideal for entertaining! Two fireplaces and high-end light fixtures add sophistication throughout. Upstairs, the 2nd floor features 3 serene bedrooms with new wide-plank wood floors and custom closets. A new luxurious full bathroom with double sink Italian marble and brass details is tucked behind an arched doorway. The third floor with walk-in closet offers flexible space, perfect for office, guests, future primary suite or play. Enjoy updates like new water heater, new 2nd floor windows, custom shutters throughout, and central air! Just 2 blocks to downtown South Orange, NYC train, restaurants and shops - this location is unbeatable!
FLOOR PLAN




foyer
LIVING ROOM
DINING ROOM
KITCHEN
LAUNDRY AREA
FIRST FLOOR BATHROOM
SECOND FLOOR BEDROOMS & BATHROOM
PRIMARY BEDROOM
third floor
OUTDOOR SPACE
ARCHIVE PHOTO
FAVORITE FEATURES
Brooklyn brownstone vibe - tall, narrow, and full of character
Super high ceilings throughout, creating an open and airy feel
Abundant natural light during the day; warm, modern lighting at night
Peaceful, tree-lined street with friendly neighbors
Perfect blend of original charm and thoughtful updates
Functional, well-balanced layout that feels great to live in
Close to town and the train, yet tucked away in a quiet setting
A home that truly reflects personality - guests often say, “Wow, this is so you.”
UPDATES
Recent Updates & Upgrades 2024-2025
This home has been thoughtfully updated with attention to both style and function:
* Curb Appeal & Landscaping: Beautiful, refreshed landscaping in the front and back yards.
* Windows: All second-floor windows, including those in the bathroom, kids’ rooms, and attic, have been fully replaced.
* Interior Shutters: All-new interior shutters installed throughout, adding charm and privacy.
* Flooring:.Original wood floors and stairs were sanded and re-stained.
Second and third floors feature brand new 10-inch wide plank real wood flooring.
* Paint: Every single room in the home has been freshly painted.
* Lighting: Every light fixture in the home has been updated with brand new lighting (except for the bar lights in the kitchen).
* Exposed Brick: Original brick walls throughout the home have been exposed and restored (excluding the oven surround, which was already exposed).
* Kitchen: Features new appliances.
Addition of a brand-new mudroom off the kitchen with side-door access.
* Bathrooms: Fully renovated primary bathroom with Italian marble, golden fixtures, and updated plumbing.
The downstairs bathroom is updated with a new toilet and plumbing fixes.
* Custom Built-Ins: Added custom shelving in the primary bedroom and daughter’s room.
* Systems & Maintenance: New water heater installed.
Water softener professionally serviced (2025).
All-new smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed.
Upgraded Guardian security system panel.
Gutters are regularly maintained.
APPROXIMATE UTILITIES
PSEG(Electric/Gas):
$150/month
Garbage:
$80/quarter
$25-$30 a month
Water:
$50/month
Internet:
$70/month
Downloadable Documents
Map
Map to South Orange Train Station
Map to Shops, Establishments, Restaurants
Property Information
111 Second Street
South Orange, NJ 07079
Listing Price: $929,000
4 Bedrooms
2 Full Baths
Lot Size: 0.14 acres
Garage: 1 / Detached Garage, Oversize Garage
Property Style: Victorian
Ideal Closing: 11/24/2025
Estimated Taxes: $16,777* / 2024*
*Inquire with tax assessor for 2025 numbers
Contact Information
DENISE PAYNE
Realtor / Sales Associate
Direct: (973) 544-8484
Office: (973) 376-0033
Keller Williams Premier Properties
518 Millburn Avenue, Short Hills NJ